Two years ago, officials for the Florence Gray Center were concerned that they would be forced to
close due to not being able to afford the cost of maintaining it. But now, with the support of numerous
grants and donations, the important neighborhood building is receiving key repairs, with the hopes of
eventually adding more programming and space.
Life with COVID-19 has been difficult for us all, but it has also been a catalyst for incredible gestures of compassion. Recently the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County was inspired by the actions of Newporter Mary Anne Coen, known as Grammy, and the Mother-in-Law to Director of Development Kelley Coen.
NEWPORT — The executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Joe Pratt, has been chosen to join the President’s Advisory Council of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and to serve on “The Great Futures Planning Committee.”
We have a long history with Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. They opened their doors to us in 2013 and offered their facilities to host our first classes. Our work with them is by far one of our proudest achievements and we are always humbled when we visit this place and see just what they do for the youth in our community. That’s why we sat down with Executive Director and CEO, Joseph Pratt, to see how they’ve been getting through Covid and how people can still support this great organization. www.bgcnewport.org…
Even without the yachts or the big tent at the Newport Shipyard, the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County successfully held its seventh annual Newport Yacht Rendezvous on Aug. 14. Aptly renamed “Newport Yacht Rendezvous – Differently,” the club asked supporters to gather in a safe space and in accordance with state guidelines. That evening, 22 celebrations took place, ranging from a quiet dinner for two to a meal or cocktail party with family and friends, including one on the Oliver Hazard Perry sailing school vessel, docked at Fort Adams State Park. For each gathering, the club supplied a basket to assist hosts with fundraising event essentials, such as masks, sponsor recognition, a floral arrangement and a bottle of champagne with a suggested toast.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, many have lost their jobs or are required to quarantine, and many businesses could not afford to reopen
